Discover the Best Peony Varieties: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Blossoms

Peonies are more than just beautiful plants; they are a garden staple that has captured the hearts of gardeners for generations. With their showy blooms and lush foliage, peony flowers bring elegance and charm to any outdoor space. One of the most delightful aspects of peonies is the variety available. From herbaceous peonies to tree peonies and Itoh hybrids, there’s no shortage of peony varieties to choose from. Whether you prefer large double blossoms, fragrant blooms, or the delicate simplicity of single flowers, there’s a peony for every garden style.

One of the reasons peonies are so popular is their longevity. Peonies can live for over a century, making them a timeless investment for any garden. Their robust growth and show-stopping flowers make them the perfect addition to a garden that will last for generations. Whether you’re drawn to rich reds, pastel pinks, or pure white blooms, peonies offer something for everyone. And let’s not forget that their beauty isn’t limited to just the blooms; the foliage of peonies, especially in fall, adds a striking reddish-orange hue to your garden.

Types of Peonies

Peonies can be divided into three main types: herbaceous peonies, tree peonies, and Itoh peonies. Each variety offers something unique in terms of plant structure, bloom type, and growing conditions. Whether you’re planting for large double blooms or looking for a vigorous grower, knowing the differences between these types can help you make the right choice for your garden.

Herbaceous Peonies: The Classic Choice

The most well-known among peony varieties is the herbaceous peony. These perennials die back to the ground in winter and come back each spring with fresh, new growth. Herbaceous peonies are known for their strong stems, which can support the weight of large flowers without needing extra staking. These beautiful plants bloom in late spring and often produce double flowers or semi-double flowers.

Why Herbaceous Peonies Are a Garden Favorite:

• Hardy and long-lasting: They survive cold winters thanks to their thick, tuberous roots.
• Seasonal rebirth: Their foliage and flowers die back every fall but return even more vigorously in spring.
• Variety of blooms: From single to double blossoms, herbaceous peonies offer a stunning range of bloom types and colors.

Popular Herbaceous Varieties:

• ‘Sarah Bernhardt’: A classic variety with fragrant, soft pink double flowers. It’s the perfect choice if you want elegant, fragrant blooms for cut flowers.
• ‘Karl Rosenfield’: Known for its bright crimson-red blooms, this variety adds a bold splash of color to any garden.
• ‘Rubra Plena’: A Chinese peony that blooms early in mid-spring with rich, red double blossoms. It’s a great heirloom variety for gardeners who love history.

Tree Peonies: The Show-Stoppers

If you’re looking for a peony that stands out, consider the tree peony. Unlike herbaceous peonies, tree peonies have woody stems that stay upright through winter, giving them a semi-shrubby appearance. These magnificent plants produce larger, more exotic-looking blooms that can reach up to 10 inches across, making them one of the most dramatic peony varieties.

Why You’ll Love Tree Peonies:

• Woody structure: Tree peonies don’t die back in winter, offering year-round interest.
• Huge, showy blooms: The flowers are larger than those of herbaceous peonies, often reaching impressive sizes.
• Long-lasting beauty: Although tree peonies take a few years to establish, their large flowers make the wait worthwhile.

Must-Have Tree Peony Varieties:

• ‘Shimadaijin’: This variety showcases deep purple, semi-double flowers, creating a rich, regal appearance.
• ‘Renkaku’: If you love pure white blooms, this tree peony offers elegant white flowers with a touch of ruffle, ideal for formal garden settings.
• ‘Kamata Fuji’: This tree peony boasts soft lavender-pink blooms with a light fragrance, adding a romantic touch to any garden.

Itoh Peonies: The Perfect Hybrid

If you can’t choose between the hardiness of herbaceous peonies and the exotic look of tree peonies, then the Itoh peony is your perfect match. Also known as intersectional peonies, Itoh peonies are hybrids that combine the best traits of both parents. With strong, vigorous grower characteristics, they bloom longer than most peonies, often producing a second round of blooms later in the season.

Why Itoh Peonies Are a Must-Have:

• Extended bloom time: These peonies keep blooming well into early summer, giving you more time to enjoy their beauty.
• Disease resistance: Itoh peonies are more resistant to pests and diseases, making them a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
• Sturdy stems: Their strong stems don’t need staking, making them ideal for cut flowers.

Top Itoh Varieties:

• ‘Bartzella’: This Itoh peony features huge, bright yellow flowers with a slight red center. It’s one of the most popular varieties thanks to its stunning double blooms.
• ‘Cora Louise’: With large, semi-double flowers and a lavender center, this peony adds elegance to your garden while blooming well into summer.
• ‘Keiko’ (Adored): A soft pink peony with semi-double flowers and a rich fragrance, perfect for smaller garden spaces or as a stunning centerpiece.

Peony Flower Characteristics

Peonies are famous for their diverse bloom types, ranging from simple single flowers to lush, full double blooms. These differences aren’t just about looks—they also play a role in how each peony fits into your garden’s overall design.

Single Flowers: Simplicity at Its Best

Single flowers have just one row of outer petals surrounding a golden center of stamens. These blooms are perfect if you’re aiming for a more natural look in your garden.

Why You’ll Love Them:

• Pollinator-friendly: The open form makes them a hit with bees and butterflies.
• Natural beauty: They blend seamlessly with other wild species in more informal garden designs.

Semi-Double Flowers: A Little More Fullness

Semi-double flowers are a step up from singles. With multiple rows of petals but still an exposed center, they bring texture and richness without overwhelming the garden space.

Why Semi-Doubles Are a Great Option:

• Textured and dynamic: The layers of petals add depth without losing the contrast of the central stamens.
• Garden standouts: Semi-doubles create a balance between fullness and simplicity, making them a favorite among gardeners.

Double Flowers: The Showiest of All

When you think of peonies, you probably picture the double blossoms—those lush, full blooms that seem to burst with petals. In double flowers, the central reproductive parts are hidden beneath layers of petals, creating a dense, rounded shape. These blooms are perfect for formal gardens and cut flowers, thanks to their dramatic appearance.

Why You’ll Love Double Flowers:

• Lush and dramatic: The abundance of petals gives double flowers a rich, luxurious look.
• Ideal for bouquets: Their dense structure makes them perfect for floral arrangements that stand out.

Peony Flower Colors

Whether you’re looking to add bold reds, soft pastels, or even vibrant yellows to your garden, peonies can fit almost any aesthetic.

Peony Flower Colors: A Rainbow of Possibilities

• Reds: For those who want to add a dramatic pop of color, red peonies like Paeonia lactiflora ‘Red Charm’ are a striking choice. These bold blooms can turn any garden bed into a focal point.
• Pinks: Pink peonies, like ‘Bowl of Beauty’ and the ever-popular ‘Sarah Bernhardt’, bring a soft, romantic vibe. These peonies are perfect for adding a classic touch, especially in cottage gardens or as part of formal landscaping.
• Whites: If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated look, pure white blooms like Paeonia lactiflora ‘Festiva Maxima’ or the delicate ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ provide a timeless elegance. White peonies work well in almost any garden style and are a favorite for cut flowers, often used in wedding bouquets.
• Yellows: Although rarer, yellow peonies can be found in Itoh peonies. Varieties like Paeonia x ‘Bartzella’ offer bright, cheerful yellow flowers with a subtle hint of red at the center. These blooms can light up any garden space, adding a unique splash of color that stands out from the typical peony palette.

Peony Fragrances: A Sensory Delight

Peonies aren’t just a visual treat—they also bring delightful fragrances to your garden. Some varieties have a delicate fragrance, while others boast a richer, more robust scent. The fragrance of a peony depends on its variety, with Paeonia lactiflora types often having the strongest perfumes.

• Sweet and Light: Peonies like ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ and ‘Festiva Maxima’ are known for their light fragrance reminiscent of roses. These scents can be subtle but are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
• Spicy and Earthy: Some peonies, like Paeonia officinalis, have more earthy, almost spicy notes. These fragrances might not be as strong, but they offer an interesting contrast to the lighter, sweeter varieties.

Fragrance intensity can vary depending on factors like growing conditions, temperature, and even the age of the bloom. For the best results, plant peonies in full sun with well-drained soil to allow their fragrances to fully develop. Whether you’re choosing peonies for their beautiful flowers or their inviting scents, they’ll bring an extra layer of sensory enjoyment to your outdoor space.

Peony Flowering Times: A Season of Beauty

Peonies offer an extended bloom season, with different varieties flowering at various times from mid-spring to early summer. By selecting a mix of early, mid-season, and late bloomers, you can enjoy a continuous display of peony flowers for several months.

Early Bloomers

Early-blooming peonies, like Paeonia officinalis ‘Rubra Plena’, often begin flowering in mid-spring. These early peonies are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden as the spring season begins. Another fantastic early bloomer is ‘Coral Charm’, a semi-double variety with coral-pink petals that fade to soft peach as they mature. Early bloomers are ideal for filling your garden with vibrant color when other plants are still waking up.

Mid-Season Bloomers

Most peonies fall into the mid-season category, typically blooming in late spring. These varieties are garden staples, known for their fragrant blooms and strong stems. Mid-season peonies often have large double flowers, adding a luxurious feel to any garden space. Classic varieties like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Festiva Maxima’ typically bloom during this time.

Late Bloomers

For gardeners who want to extend the peony season into early summer, late-blooming varieties are a must. Itoh peonies like ‘Bartzella’ are famous for their yellow blooms and long flowering period, often producing vigorous growth with strong stems that don’t require staking. Another fantastic late bloomer is Paeonia lactiflora ‘Karl Rosenfield’, known for its vibrant red double flowers. These varieties will keep your garden bursting with color well into summer.

By strategically planting peonies with staggered bloom times, you can create a garden that stays colorful for longer. From early bloomers in mid-spring to late bloomers in early summer, peonies will keep your garden alive with vibrant blooms for weeks on end.

How to Use Peonies in Your Garden

Peonies are versatile plants that can be used in various ways throughout your garden. Whether you’re planting them in borders, using them as standalone specimen plants, or growing them in containers, peonies can fit into almost any garden design.

Border Plants

For classic garden borders, herbaceous peonies are a great choice. With their lush, bushy foliage and large flowers, they add structure and fullness to any planting bed. Herbaceous peonies are perfect for pairing with other perennials, annuals, and spring bulbs to create layers of color and texture.

Specimen Plants

If you’re looking for a focal point, tree peonies are ideal as standalone specimen plants. Their woody stems and exotic, large blooms create a dramatic statement in garden beds. Tree peonies are perfect for adding height and interest to your landscape, especially when placed among shrubs or as a backdrop to other plants.

Containers and Small Gardens

Peonies also perform beautifully in containers, making them a versatile option for gardeners with limited space. Whether you’re planting them on a patio or balcony, varieties like ‘Keiko’ (Adored) and ‘Cora Louise’ are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to smaller spaces. These peonies are known for their compact size and long-lasting blooms, making them ideal for container gardening.

Peony Care: Tips for Thriving Blooms

Peonies are relatively easy to care for, but they do have some specific needs to thrive. Follow these tips to ensure your peonies grow healthy and produce beautiful blooms year after year.

• Full Sun: Peonies love sunlight! Make sure to plant them in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
• Well-Drained Soil: Peonies don’t like wet feet. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
• Spacing: Give your peonies room to breathe. Plant them at least 3 feet apart to ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
• Support for Tall Stems: Some varieties, especially those with large, heavy blooms, may need a little extra support. Use peony rings or stakes to help keep the flowers upright, especially after rain.
• Fall Care: In the fall, cut back herbaceous peonies to the ground to help them prepare for dormancy. For tree peonies, simply remove dead or weak stems.

With these care tips, your peonies will flourish, bringing you fragrant blooms and stunning colors for many seasons to come.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy in Your Garden

Peonies are truly special. With their rich history, long lifespan, and the variety of peony flowers available, they offer something for every garden. Whether you choose a classic herbaceous peony, a dramatic tree peony, or a hybrid Itoh peony, you’re investing in beautiful blooms that will bring joy year after year. Peonies are not only a showstopper in the garden, but they also make excellent cut flowers, ensuring that you can enjoy their beauty both outdoors and indoors.

So go ahead and plant a few peonies this season, and let their timeless charm transform your garden into a colorful, fragrant paradise.